Shallowdale House

Review

'I can't stay away. What wonderful hosts; everyone is treated with impeccable kindness.' Praise from a regular visitor, returning this year to Phillip Gill and Anton van der Horst's 1960s architect-designed house on the edge of the North York Moors national park. 'As you drive through the gates you begin to relax,' says another report. 'They make a point of coming out to welcome guests and help with luggage; tea and home-made cakes are quickly produced in the ground-floor drawing room with its lovely view over the valley.' The accommodation 'is a joy': 'extremely comfortable' bedrooms have 'huge bed, capacious chest of drawers and wardrobe'; 'delightful views' ('binoculars thoughtfully provided'). Bathrooms have 'piping hot water and lots of goodies'. Two bedrooms are large; the third, slightly smaller, has a private bathroom across a corridor. A four-course set meal is served by arrangement (48 hours' notice) at separate candlelit tables; the food is variously described as 'delicious', and 'homely', in dishes like guineafowl breasts in prosciutto, rosemary and mascarpone. No choice but 'preferences are discussed beforehand'. Breakfast includes dry-cured bacon, Whitby kippers, home-made preserves. There is a 'restful' hillside garden, and 'the area is full of interest'. (Richard Creed, Mary Hewson, Christine Moore, John Tovey)